Leonard G. Walrath, one of the progressive business men of St. Johnsville, is continuing the law, insurance and real estate business founded by his father, the late Hon. Martin Walrath, in which he has been a partner for approximately twenty years. He was born in this village on the 26th of August, 1878. His mother was Celestia E. Haskins before her marriage to Martin Walrath, the daughter of the late Dr. Leonard G. and Elizabeth (Brown) Haskins of Newport, New York. Martin Walrath always resided in St. Johnsville, where for many years he was engaged in a law and real estate business, continuing active in these affairs until his death in May, 1923.
Leonard G. Walrath grew to manhood in his native town, where he obtained his education in the local schools. In 1902 he entered the law offices of Newton J. Herrick of Canajoharie as a clerk and student, and there remained for the ensuing three years. Returning to St. Johnsville in 1905, Mr. Walrath became associated with his father's business here and in addition established a general insurance and real estate business which was and is being conducted under the name of M. Walrath & Son. Since the death of his father Mr. Walrath has carried on the business alone. He is an enterprising business man of the progressive type, ever alert to advance his interests along legitimate lines and to further the economic prosperity of the community in which his financial interests are located, for he realizes keenly that in a large measure the welfare of the individual merchant, manufacturer or business man depends upon the general conditions existing among the people he seeks to serve. He is an officer of the Exchange Club, a civic organization that is doing a great deal of worth-while work in the village. Mr. Walrath has also given his aid to the cause of municipal government, serving as secretary to the municipal commissioners and clerk of the board of trustees of the village from 1912 to 1918. In short, he may be counted upon to lend his support to all those movements and organizations making for the betterment of the community welfare, good government and economic progress. As an insurance man he is identified with the Insurance Federation of New York, the National Association of Insurance Agents and the Association of Local Insurance Agents of New York State.
Mr. Walrath is married and is the father of two children, Martin Austin and Mildred Cheney Walrath. Before her marriage Mrs. Walrath was Miss Mildred Austin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin P. Austin of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of St. Johnsville. Her father is a well-known composer and arranger of music, and from him she inherits exceptional talents which she has cultivated to the end that she is now a distinguished musician. Mr. and Mrs. Walrath make their home at No. 8 John Street, St. Johnsville.